shift the cut

present singular third person shifts the cut · participle present shifting the cut · participle past shifted the cut · past shifted the cut

1. To surreptitiously restore a deck of cards to their original sequence after having cut the deck.

   In the average game where the players keep their hands, and arms also, on the table there is little opportunity to shift the cut.

   1902, S. W. Erdnase, Artifice, Ruse and Subterfuge at the Card Table: A Treatise on the Science and Art of Manipulating Cards

   1 more example

   The cards are slightly crimped, just enough to indicate to the cheater's sensitive fingers exactly where to shift the cut. This move cannot be made without a cover.

   1949, John Scarne, Scarne on Cards